Pastoral Notes for Sunday, September 13, 2026

Dear Cornerstone Family,

Did you know Jesus talks about money three times more than he talks about heaven or hell? That’s a startling fact. But if you think about it, it makes perfect sense. Jesus knows we can’t serve God and money (Matt. 6:24), so wherever it is you find your treasure, one thing’s for sure—there your heart will be also (Matt. 6:21).

When it comes to giving money to the church, we get stuck on questions like, “Does God require that I give ten percent of my income?” or “Does God want me to give from my gross or net?” These are fine questions in and of themselves, but sometimes our asking of them reveals more of the heart than we would like to admit. The unspoken question lurking beneath the surface may be, “What’s the baseline standard for giving?” Said another way, “How little can I give and God still be pleased with me?” If these are the questions underneath the questions, then we haven’t begun to grasp gospel generosity.

When Jesus came to earth, he didn’t ask, “What little must I do?” His life was marked by radical love and sacrifice. In the words of the Apostle Paul, your Savior became impoverished himself that you might become rich (2 Cor. 8:8-9). If we love and follow the Savior who lavishly spent himself for our wealth and blessing, then our lives should bear a striking resemblance.

Toward that end, I’m asking myself this question today, “Nate, when you look at your budget, what evidence do you see that God and His church are a priority in your life?” As you might imagine, there are things I’m encouraged about, and there are areas for improvement. Areas where I see God wooing me in love to rearrange my spending, saving, and giving patterns to even more closely align with kingdom priorities.

On that note, as we enter into the final month of our fiscal year’s first quarter we are running behind in our giving as a church. If you’re a member of Cornerstone and do not give regularly “to support the worship and work of the church” (the fourth membership vow), I invite you to join the happy band of cheerful Cornerstone givers investing in the work of the kingdom (2 Cor. 9:6-15). I believe you will experience what Christians throughout the centuries have discovered––it truly is more  blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35).

Cash Position as of August 31 was $526,363

*Favorable Variance in Facilities Expense primarily due to $32,376 in Future Expansion Planning and Contingency being budgeted year to date but not spent; To date $97,406 has been charged to an asset account related to the next-door property, which would be expensed should we not close on the property (except for the refundable $50,000 earnest money).

Your servant,